Masks made of latex are very popular around Halloween, they can be a fantastic finishing touch to a costume. They are usually made from synthetic latex rubber, though some of the masks can be made from other materials such as silicone rubber or vinyl. Nowadays they are used widely as special effects in movies to make a certain idea or look seem completely realistic. Eerily so sometimes!
Latex material offers the mask creator a wonderful medium to express a vast array of different worlds such as beauty, fantasy, ugliness, evil, alien beings and horror. This horror aspect is what makes latex masks so popular at Halloween. The grotesque aspect can be so well represented by using Latex. The medium of latex allows the wearer of the mask to be encased in the whole experience. The outward appearance can also be so incredibly convincing, and in some cases terrifying.
Masks have been used throughout history for just about everything from celebrations to funerals, one of the most famous being the Egyptian funeral mask of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Another example of masks in history are the ones used for protection as the Roman gladiator mask was used. These were worn during bloody sporting events put together for the entertainment of the Roman emperor and nobles.
Masks have also been used for entertainment and can be traced back to the days of Greek theater. Theater masks were often elaborately decorated so as to hold the audiences attention.
As far as modern day is concerned, we still use masks a lot in our society, especially in the entertainment field. Movie special effects professionals rely on them heavily to attain the visual effect they are looking for. Latex masks are capable of portraying various guises, really it all comes down to how imaginative you can be.
Masks have the ability to free people. Whether it's with theater masks, masquerade ball masks, or Halloween masks, the anonymity and mysterious effects that they portray are difficult to duplicate with simple make up and most times they leave people wondering as to who you are.
Before latex was discovered, the masks people wore were made of wood, clay, then plastic. But now we are fortunate to have the choice of a better more life-like and much more comfortable material. Wearing a latex mask for Halloween, for example, is a great way to create a dramatic effect and offers you the chance to enter into a different world of disguise and keep people guessing as to who's hiding behind the mask.
You will need:
1 tall box large enough to wear
a utility knife
clear shipping tape to assemble the box.
a yardstick and pen or pencil.
red and white paint (and yellow paint also, if desired), and a brush
cream or white colored Styrofoam peanuts
spray adhesive safe for use with Styrofoam, or other glue
neutral clothing, or optionally for women, high heels and stockings.
for an optional hat: one sheet of poster board.
If you don't have a box the right size, you should be able to find one at a shipping store. Ideally, you want one that is about eight inches wider than your shoulders, and about as tall as the distance from just above your knees to your shoulders. The bottom of the box will now be the top of the box. What used to be the top, will now be the open bottom for your legs. With the utility knife, carefully cut off the extra flaps that will be on the same end as your legs. Wait to tape the box until you finish the painting.
If you wish, you can use a popcorn box from your theater or look at popcorn boxes online as a model for your costume. On one side of your box, write "POPCORN" in large red letters and draw a red a frame around it in any desired shape. On this and the other three sides of the box, use the yard stick to measure and mark vertical stripes four inches wide. Alternately paint them red and white. Some popcorn boxes use yellow on them as well. Paint the top of the box where your head will stick out, white.
For the optional cone hat, cut the poster board into a large enough wedge to form into a cone to wear on your head. Before assembling, mark and paint red and white stripes on the poster board, that are smaller at the top than at the bottom of the cone. When the cone is dry, assemble and affix with tape. Glue Styrofoam peanuts randomly to the sides.
When the box is dry, tape the top of the popcorn box closed and carefully cut a round hole just large enough for your head to get through. Using glue, apply the Styrofoam peanuts to the top of the box in a pile, much like popcorn is heaped in a popcorn box.
Try on the box to approximate a convenient place for arm holes. They should be at about elbow level, on the sides, and perhaps a little nearer to the front than the back. With the utility knife carefully cut the holes. Your costume is now ready.
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